Courtesy Photo | As a reserve supply officer, Lt. Cmdr. Justin Lafeen supports Talisman Sabre. He had...... read more read more
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“Ready now. Anytime. Anywhere.”
That’s been the longstanding motto of the U.S. Navy Reserve Force.
For reservists, it’s more than a mantra.
That was truly the case when Military Sealift Command Far East needed a supply officer to support Talisman Sabre, large-scale, bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States which advances a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Lt. Cmdr. Justin Lafeen had just wrapped up a stint in Australia at the time MSC Far East sent out the call for a reserve supply officer to orchestrate and lead shore-side logistics during Talisman Sabre. He was uniquely positioned, having extensive experience from working throughout the region for several years.
“It was a good example of what the reserve force is all about – being where we need to be, when we need to be there and with the necessary training to provide value in fulfilling active requirements,” the Salt Lake City native said.
“Our mission as Navy reservists is to ‘provide strategic depth and deliver operational capabilities,’ and that means we not only individually fill emergent requirements in the force – fill any gaps or shortfalls – but we also collectively enhance and expand the capability of our Navy.”
While this is Lafeen’s first assignment with Military Sealift Command, he says reservists’ skills and experiences help complement the needs of the Navy, wherever and whenever they may serve.
“Reservists bring versatility and a wide vision across multiple operational perspectives. Reservists are able to be true ‘utility’ players who can enhance the expert operational cadence of their active duty counterparts,” he said.
Lafeen believes reservists have a unique perspective, drawing from their civilian experiences that can be shared with active-duty counterparts, enhancing Sailors’ skills and exchanging lessons learned from corporate experiences that help achieve the mission.
Similarly, reservists can provide a bridge between the military and civilian employees by sharing with civilian colleagues insight on the “massively important service” and missions of the U.S. Military and Government.
Lafeen gained these nuggets of knowledge during the 11 years he’s been affiliated with the reserves. While he’s served on active duty, including time in Afghanistan, he ultimately determined the reserve force was the best way to quench his desire to serve in some way.
“After doing my research, I decided that the Navy was the right place for me, and the Supply Corps was the perfect fit given my education and experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve.”
| Date Taken: | 08.13.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 08.16.2021 02:28 |
| Story ID: | 402996 |
| Location: | AU |
| Web Views: | 90 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Suppo Supporting Talisman Sabre Exemplifies Reserve Force Motto, by Leslie Hull-Ryde, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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